How to Manage Broken Garage Door Springs

Broken garage door springs can not only be a hassle, they can be downright dangerous! A metal garage door can weigh a ton. So how does one fix it if they can't lift it? When it comes to dealing with broken garage door springs, safety is essential. Keep reading to learn more important information about your garage door springs.

What is a torsion spring?

The official definition is a torsion spring is a spring that is twisted, causing tension in the coil. When this spring is coiled, it exerts force, usually called “torque.” This is proportional to the twist, which is the angle. There are two types of torsion springs.

• mainspring (clock spring)
• helical torsion spring

The mainspring or "clock spring" is used in the construction of attic stairs or clutches. The helical torsion spring is used in much larger types of constructions such as garage door openers and other mechanical objects requiring a heavy coiled spring system.

What causes a garage door spring to break?

Typically, everyday wear and tear is the main contributing factor of spring breakage. But there can be other, more serious problems that can cause damage and eventual failure of garage door springs.

1. Rust. This beast is hiding in the shadows of every garage, everywhere! And the damage it can cause to your garage door spring can be downright awful! But, thanks to science, there are ways of preventing this monster from rearing its ugly head. One great preventative measure is keeping the spring in the door well lubricated. A coating of any type of lubrication can help extend the life of the spring.

2. A long spring instead of two smaller ones. This is something that the installer and the homeowner should definitely consider before any installation.

What should be done first when the spring has broken?

First thing is first: contact us at Roadrunner Garage Doors so that one of our experienced technicians can help. It is an extremely dangerous situation for a person who is not trained to engage any torsion spring that has broken down.

Keep everyone clear of the area until a member of our team can assess the issue. This will guarantee that the installation is correct and safe and that no one can be hurt.

Which Garage Door Opener Is Right For My Home?

If you find that you are in the market for a new garage door system but are unsure of which type is right for you and your home, we at Roadrunner Garage Doors are here to help. There are three main different types of garage door openers, each one with varying pros and cons. Keep reading to find out more about the different types to help figure out what might suit your needs best.

Screw Drive

Using a threaded steel rod to that rotates to move the trolley to open the door, the screw drive door opener generally has less moving components compared to alternatives. With less components, it means that this system will generally require less long-term maintenance compared to other systems on the market. Because of functionality of the system, it is a bit noisier than other systems so if there is a second story above the garage where a screw drive door opener is housed, it may cause a bit of a disturbance.

Belt Drive

One of the quietest types of garage door openers on the market, a belt drive uses a belt to move the garage door up and down instead of using chains. A belt drive garage door opener is preferred for homes with attached garages but unfortunately, they are more expensive than screw or chain driven door openers.

Chain Drive

The most common type of garage door opener on the market, a chain drive uses a chain to pull or push the garage door open or closed. These systems are highly dependable and much more affordable. Similar to the screw drive garage door opener, they are on the noisier side compared to a belt drive and are better suited for a detached garage.

When it comes time to replace your garage door opener, Roadrunner Garage Doors is here to help. Give us a call to schedule an appointment to determine which garage door opener works best for your home.